We offer complete allergy management. This includes advice on medications, subcutaneous immunotherapy (allergy shots) and sublingual immunotherapy.
What is sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)?
Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) is a method of allergy treatment that uses drops given under the tongue. It is a type of allergy immunotherapy. Unlike medications, which only treat symptoms, immunotherapy treats the underlying cause of allergies.
How does sublingual immunotherapy differ from allergy shots?
There are no needles used to give the therapy. The patient simply puts drops under the tongue.
Is it safe?
Sublingual immunotherapy has an excellent safety profile and is generally considered safer than allergy shots. In 1998 the World Health Organization concluded that sublingual immunotherapy was a viable alternative to allergy injections and that its use in clinical practice is justified.
How does sublingual immunotherapy work?
Small amounts of allergen (antigen) are given under the tongue. These allergens are picked up by the immune system and processed. In the course of processing the antigens, the patient develops a tolerance to those substances that are in the serum.
Is SLIT as good as shots?
Multiple studies demonstrate that SLIT is equivalent to allergy shots for the treatment of allergies.
Is it new?
SLIT has been used in various forms for decades and generally gained wide acceptance in the United States during the late 1990s. It has been the primary choice for immunotherapy in Europe since the 1980s.
How is SLIT administered?
Drops are given under the tongue daily. They can be given at home. The dose is gradually increased over 12 weeks. Almost all patients are at their maintenance dose after only 3 months.
How long do I have to stay on therapy?
Generally, patients will remain on therapy for at least one year after they reach their maintenance level. Total therapy typically lasts from one to 2 years.
Is it covered by insurance?
At this time, SLIT is not covered by insurance. However, since it is so much easier to administer and is generally done at home, SLIT is often cheaper for patients because they don't have to make co-pays. Also, you don't have to spend time and money coming to the office every week.
Do I need to have an allergy test to get SLIT?
Yes. The only way to obtain proper information to prepare your serum is to conduct an allergy test. Testing is generally done in the office and takes 1 to 2 hours to complete. In order to receive proper counseling and to ensure safety, you need to be seen for a regular appointment with the doctor prior to allergy testing.
Can SLIT be given to children?
SLIT is ideal for children. There are no needles and the drops actually taste pretty good!
Can all types of allergies be treated?
SLIT is used for the same type of allergies that are treated by shots. This includes pollens (trees, grasses, weeds), dust, animals and molds.
How do I get more information?
Please call our Geneva office at (315) 787-5353 or our Canandaigua office at (585) 396-1070 to make an appointment with Dr. DeCicco
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